SMASH FACTOR"If you want to hit it further hit it better." - Jack NicklausSmash factor is calculated by dividing ball speed by club-head speed:(ball speed ÷ club-head speed = smash factor)Smash Factor relates to the amount of energy transferred from the club head to the golf ball. The higher the smash factor the better the transfer of that energy. Decreasing your swing speed can actually increase you distance by having more control over your swing and producing a more centered strike position on the club face at impact. Smash factor helps us determine how closely the ball is hit off of the sweet spot, and how efficient a player’s swing is. The ball cannot leave the face faster than 1.5 times the speed that the club head is traveling. Therefore a perfect Smash Factor rating is 1.50. The closer this number is to 1.50, the more efficient the ball is rebounding off of the club face. The PGA tour averages between a 1.48 and 1.49 Smash Factor reading. For example, using the equation above, a ball speed of 140mph and club-head speed of 100mph will produce a smash factor of 1.40 (140 divided by 100=1.40). However, with a more controlled swing, if the club head speed is only 98mph but the ball speed is 145mph, the resulting smash factor would be 1.48 (145 divided by 98=1.48). Every extra 1mph of ball speed generates 2 yards carry (all other things equal). For this reason, the added ball speed in the previous example will equate to 2 yards carry times 5mph which is 10 extra yards to the drive. In addition, a more controlled swing will most likely have a positive effect on dispersion.

To generate maximum distance by producing higher ball speed, more than just hitting the ball from the club face sweet spot is required. A swing speed of 112 mph will not produce maximum distance if the swing path is too steep, too flat or if the club face is open or closed at impact. This is why a slower swing speed can achieve more distance. By having a more controlled swing with better timing a higher Smash Factor can be obtained.

SPIN RATE Spin Rate refers to the speed that which ball spins while in flight. It is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). The spin rate off a driver generally ranges between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, while a wedge shot can spin as high as 10,000 rpm. The amount of spin that a golfer desires from a club-head is dependent upon the shot at hand. Less spin is sought with the driver because the objective of the tee shot is to gain distance and forward roll. Back spin on a golf ball spin generates lift, thus a shot's spin rate directly influences how high the ball flies and how quickly it stops after landing. A much higher spin rate is beneficial for wedge play, where maximum control around the greens is paramount. Distance is significantly affected by back spin, while the direction is influenced by side spin. Take a look at the above chart for what spin rate the pros produce.

Spin Rate is the amount the golf ball spins immediately after impact.

Launch AnglesA club-head with a higher launch angle will initially send the golf ball higher at impact than a club-head with lower launch angle. Knowing this information is important when selecting a club-head for trajectory specific shots. A golfer who wants to get the ball up with ease would benefit from a club-head that carries a higher launch angle. Lower handicap golfers who do not need assistance getting the ball airborne and prefer to have better control, typically benefit from a club-head with a lower launch angle.

Launch Angle is the angle the golf ball takes off relative to the ground.